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29/08/2024 00:00, In Blog /

Olivia Breen, who competes in the T38 100m and T38 Long Jump as one of the stars of Welsh para-athletics, comes into the Paris Paralympics after being named as Co-captain of the Paralympics GB Team. 

Breen looks back on an impressive career so far as she gets ready for her fourth Paralympic Games, having won medals in London and Tokyo. In 2022, Livvy became the Commonwealth Champion in the T38 100m adding to 2017's world title in the T38 Long Jump and a T38 Long Jump bronze medal at the 2021 Paralympics. 

This time in Paris, Olivia will be doubling up and will compete in the T38 100m on Saturday 31 August and in the T38 Long Jump on Thursday 5 September. 

Her first podcast, Olivia Breen's Paris Diaries is also now available on BBC Sounds, featuring an inside look into what it is really like for athletes as they prepare for the commonwealth games.

Ahead of competing, we caught up with Livvy to see what it's like to be at the Paralympics and to get to know the team Co-captain!

What is your first athletics memory and how did you get into the sport?

My first memory is winning my race at my first sports day when I was 5. When I was little my CP (Cerebral Palsy) was much more obvious and I fell all the time. My parents were really worried that sports day was going to be really hard for me and were completely shocked when I won! I loved that feeling of being good at something and have loved athletics ever since! 

Olivia on the podium after becoming 2018 Commonwealth Champion in the T38 Long Jump

Do you have an athletics hero you are inspired by? 

Dame Jess Ennis -Hill has always been my big inspiration. She always worked so hard for everything she achieved. She’s an incredible athlete and always competed with such grace and is a really humble and lovely person aswell. There are so many amazing athletes out there and I really admire those who work hard, take the bad times and build on their failures to make success for themselves. 

What is your favourite part about being in an event village or prep camp?

I always really love meeting new people and village life is such a great opportunity to meet and mix with people from other cultures. I absolutely love making friends with athletes from other sports and other countries. It’s one of the best bits! 

Do you have a pre-race ritual you do before you compete? 

I am different on race day. Normally I love to be around people but on race day I really keep myself to myself. I try and have breakfast with my coach, Aston, who is one of my favorite people. He’s so calm and just what I need on race day. We just chat quietly and his presence gives me reassurance. I largely stay in my room and watch old training videos and videos of previous competitions when I have done well to remind myself of how it feels to be successful. 

What is the one meal you look forward to after competing? 

Pizza and ketchup - no competition! 

Who is the first person you message after you have competed? 

Mum!

Olivia celebrates with her family at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the year she became Commonwealth Champion in the T38 100m.

Do you have any hobbies outside of athletics? 

I just love being with my friends - meeting them is my favorite hobby! I also really enjoy walking and try and go for a walk most days - it is really good for my head to be out in nature. 

Do you have a message to inspire the next generation of athletes? 

Find something you enjoy, work hard, take every opportunity and never give up!

Any other interesting facts?

I love anything that involves speed! I love fast cars, boats and rides! The faster the better! 

Best wishes and good luck to Livvy as she bids for another successful Paralympics!